Banyan Tree Dimensions of Indological Studies (A Festschrift to Prof. L. S. Nigam)

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Some time ago, friends, well wishers and students of Prof L.S. Nigam had planned to publish a felicitation volume in his honour. The rewards of that effort are ultimately in your hands. Our effort has been successful only with the cooperation of the scholars who sent their articles for this felicitation volume. Therefore, it is our duty to express our gratitude towards them. We also appreciate the contributors unwavering support and patience during the unexpected delays. At this juncture, we are thrilled to announce the publication of another volume in Hindi, titled "Nigam-Sri," in honour of Prof. L.S. Nigam.

Professor Nigam is a distinguished senior scholar with a remarkable career spanning nearly half a century in the realm of higher education. He holds a prominent position as one of the leading archaeologist in Central India. Beyond his reputation as an accomplished academician, Professor Nigam is widely recognized for his expertise in academic administration and his comprehensive understanding of various branches within the field of Social Sciences.

In recognition of Professor Nigam's esteemed status, a substantial number of papers have been contributed by senior professors from across the country, and even beyond its borders. These contributions come from a diverse range of individuals, including teachers, research scholars, field archaeologists, and academicians. The volume begins with a comprehensive bio-sketch of Professor Nigam, providing valuable insights into his illustrious career. Additionally, the publication includes a forward penned by Prof. Pramod Chandra. who offers his blessings, as well as a collection of heartfelt memoirs that pay tribute to Professor Nigam's remarkable contributions.

This volume is consisting of 44 research papers which is divided into five sections entitled- (1) Pre and Proto History. Archaeological Explorations and Conservation,

(2) Geographical and Historical Studies,

(3) Epigraphy and Numismatics,

(4) Art and Architecture and

(5) Religion, Culture and Literary Studies. Thus, this volume having diverse subject materials will be welcome by the scholars.

Prof. L.S. Nigam: An Introduction

Born on 15 March 1950 in village Narra of Mahasamund Tehsil (now district) of the then Raipur district, the family of Prof. Laxmi Shankar Nigam originally settled from a place called "Puruwa' in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Narra is a village located at the end of Chhattisgarh, bordering Odisha, which now comes under Bagbahra Tehsil. His father Shri Guru Prasad Nigam (late) was basically an agriculturist and also had a small business. He was also active in the freedom movement and was the chairman of Mahasamund Local Board. His mother Smt. Nandrani Nigam was an efficient housewife.

His primary education took place at Narra village. He studied in class 6th and 7th from Shri Dattatreya High School, Khariar Road (Odisha) He completed his education of middle school (8) at Home village again. Since there was no facility for further education in the village, he went Government Higher Secondary School, Mahasamund to study in higher secondary classes.

Then he took admission in B.Sc. first year from Government Science College, Raipur in 1966. He completed B.Sc. 2nd Year from K.L. College Bagbahara. He completed B.Sc. final year exam again from Science College, Raipur in 1970. Also did his Post graduation in the subject of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology from the same institution in 1972. Prof. S.K. Sullerey was his teacher there.

After doing M.A, he started research at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur Previously he received a University research scholarship. Later he received Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the University Grants Commission. In 1973, he was selected for the School of Archaeology, but at the same time, after getting appointment as lecturer in Diwan Bahadur Dau Kalyan Singh College (Non-Government), Balodabazar. He decided to start teaching in Balodabazar instead of taking admission in the School of Archaeology.

Thereafter, in 1974, he was selected by the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission for the post of Lecturer in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. He joined the Government Science College on September 4, 1974. Then, he served at Government Sanskrit College Raipur, Government College Ambagarh Chowki, Government Home Science College Hoshangabad, Government Chhattisgarh College Raipur, Government College Kurud, Government D.K. College Balodabazar and Government College Shankar Nagar

He was also the Principal in-charge of Balodabazar College. Shri Nigam did his Ph.D. in 1984 from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur on his thesis entitled 'Chhattisgarh ka Aitihasik Bhugol. He completed his Doctoral Research under the guidance of Prof. Sudhakar Pandey of Sagar University. Prof. Govind Chandra Pandey, Prayagraj and Dr. R.K. Sharma, Jabalpur were the examiner of his Doctoral research. Later, Dr. Nigam did M.A. in History in 1994 and also received the degree of LL.B. in 1998.